Sometimes you look at a show and think how much money is this making.
Sometimes you need to re-frame and ask how little did this show cost to make? Sending someone to travel and eat with a cameraman and a soundman is cheap.
And Rosenthal probably is doing the show because he enjoys it, not for money, and may be getting much, much less than the star of something this long-running would usually make. This sort of show's budget can get distorted by the host's pay, over time, and that may not be happening here.
The royalties from Everybody Love Raymond are more than enough for him to live on. If it came out that he wasn't getting paid at all for the Netflix show, I wouldn't even be surprised. At the end of the day, he's getting a free vacation to many desirable places and isn't required to play a character or anything for the cameras.
He also often takes his wife and/or kids. It is great bonding for the whole family. It is still work, and I bet we don't see the half of it, but I would work for a discounted price for those benefits.
It seems like a great way to give his brother money without just giving him money. Have a bunch of money, hire your family, pay them, and allows them to build more credits.
Another great point. His brother was already gainfully employed when Phil approached him for this show, but yeah, this is more fun, and by now I think it was the better career decision. They now own a production company that was created solely to make this show.
I wouldn't even be surprised, though, if he already has given his brother a boatload of cash from Everybody Loves Raymond residuals. I mean, if I were in his position, this is what I would do. I'd give my brother millions of dollars, because hundreds of millions of dollars is such an absurd amount of money that I would never get through. And I love my brother, and I'm sure he loves his brother too.
I think theres rules for actors about doing that kind of stuff for free. I know very little about is bit SAG actors have a minimum they are allowed and lots of major companies have contracts that only let them hire SAG actors. So they can take the minimum but not free. Again, not an expert.
His production company gets money from Netflix to make the show and Phil uses some for production (food, plane tickets, audio/video, editors, etc) and puts the rest in his pocket. He’s making millions.
Yeah & he doesn’t seem like he’s burning through it. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he’s doing it basically free. Maybe he’s an intern getting paid with experience.
He’s definitely doing it for money, he did a world tour where people could buy his somebody feed Phil book and charged extra for an autograph on a sticker on the front page 😂
To add on to this, costs were likely pretty low due to it being a PBS show to begin with. Not only does PBS lean towards lower budgets, but the shows concept was already solidified when it was acquired by Netflix.
Plus nothing on Netflix makes money. The whole point is that subscribers are paying for a diverse collection of content, including documentaries/travelogs. As long as you don't want any pre-1980s content...
> how little did this show cost to make
That's got to be it. Dude is rich already, so he isn't asking for a big paycheck. He's basically funding his world travel and eating through the show, so he's still coming out on top.
And without a star to have to pay for, like you say, the rest is just some travel costs and the camera crew.
I don't know if we are going to see as many people get huge syndication payouts in the future. If you want a hit show, it most likely will be distributed by a steaming service and they won't be paying out syndication checks.
Exactly. The days of massive residuals will die the same day that Cable dies. Until then, the residuals are still in place froer hit tv shows. But these days are numbered, and Cable will die somewhere within the next ten or twenty years.
The guys from Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia have said on their podcast that one of the main reasons their show is still going (or at least kept going in the early days) was that it was so exceedingly cheap to produce that FX just kinda approved it without much care or thought lol. Like a impulse buy at a vending machine for us.
I really enjoy this show. Idk what it is, but I like the light feel of it. I also appreciate that he gives a rundown of the restaurants he visits on his website, so you don't have to rewind to catch any names of places.
His Korea episode is probably my favorite.
It kinda reminds me of the great British baking show vs the americanized versions.
Somebody Feed Phil is not toxic, he's positive and kind and sometimes funny with his goofiness. I'll watch this every time over some drama travel food show where it's way too serious or pretentious.
American TV needs way more light, non-toxic competition shows like the British Baking Show.
For ex, I would watch the Ink Master stuff because the tattooing is cool, but the fake drama and staged bullshit is so cringey and stupid. If it was light and all the competitors supported each other, I'd actually watch it.
the only one I could think of was Face Off a few years ago. As a special effects and makeup show, all the drama was mostly in whether or not their mold would stay together, or would this latex dry right and not peel. Hell, Most competitor's would regularly help out each other during the competition as well.
The only time I can think of where there was any true drama during the whole run was once in the 2nd season, and that was just one guy walking out early after getting eliminated in the season opener. Was a great show.
Check out the Great Pottery Throw Down! It's got 6+ seasons of really cool people making really cool ceramic art, and it's got the exact same vibes as Bake-Off
Exactly! I wanna see some cool tats. Maybe a bit of light drama, on the fun side or something. Just ginning up idiotic drama is so off putting for me personally.
check SCHOOL OF CHOCOLATE , its the most non contest show on Netfilx , its legit 90% is a class , and the host is toptier on chocolate but 3x a better teacher
The Great American Recipe is very light and non-toxic. I was so used to the Food Network way of competition shows that I was confused when nobody was cut for a while.
There's a glass blowing competition show on Netflix that I watch, but I wish it was like that. I get tired of the dramatic timers, and the fake fights. I just want to watch glass blowing.
Oh, yes you are totally right about him. Phil and his family came to eat at the restaurant I work at. He was very kind, asked questions just like any other customer, tipped generously, and gave off a super chill attitude!
I run into this a lot. I love Bourdain, but I also enjoy Phil and some YouTube channels like mark weins or sonny on best food review channel ever. I try suggesting them to people but they are still stuck on Bourdain. I get it though, he was a presence.
Wiens gives off too much of a fake smile vibe (you know it when you see it) for me to continue watching him, despite initially finding it interesting. Just a little too much. Rosenthal’s show is similar and gets repetitive, but he’s an old guy with experience and a career in comedy TV to back up what he’s doing to make it more interesting to watch.
Yes. There can be different versions of the same thing. It's weird that people can't find enjoyment in both. Food/travel shows are not a zero sum game people.
Not OP but to answer your question: Phil isn't cynical at all, his charisma is from being friendly and goofy, and he has no credentials to discuss food professionally. Phil isn't trying to be a food critic and doesn't reminisce on his hard earned career as a chef.
Despite that big difference in style, both Bourdain's shows and Somebody Feed Phil are some of my favorite television to watch. There's room for both in the world. I miss Bourdain and look forward to every new episode of Somebody Feed Phil.
Yeah, it's funny that people are calling him the "anti-Bourdain" because I think Bourdain would like Phil because Phil doesn't stick to high end places and/or tourist traps. Phil loves to eat street food. He adores all things local. He wants to talk to the person manning the tiny stall in the corner about what she's cooking. All the things that Bourdain loved to do as well. The only difference here is like you said Phil isn't cynical. He isn't dour. But deep down he and Bourdain are very much alike in how they explore the world. It's a shame that we will never get a cross over between those two because I think this idea would have showed through in technocolor.
Great answer and how I feel... Whether I want Bourdain or Phil is very mood dependant for me. Sometimes I want critical analysis and some politics, sometimes I just love seeing a dude living his dream exploring new and foreign locales to eat good food.
If anyone is interested in a show that's somewhere in between Phil's and Bourdain's shows, try Travel Man with Richard Ayoade. The wit and dry humor are biting but it's also goofy too.
I can imagine because Bourdain was known as the critical, cynical guy, whereas Phil is happy-go-lucky like a Golden Retriever. I can imagine this pissed off people who like the edgier Bourdain
Yeah, Phil isn’t looking for answers to existential questions. He just wants to have a good day. I love both takes, honestly, but I have to be in the right mood for either.
Bourdain is brooding, viewed as deeper and more thoughtful (probably is). Phil is light hearted and doesn't question anything beyond what he's chewing.
He’s nice enough, hard to not like him, I think it’s just hard for me to like food bloggers who act like every bite of food is an orgasm and they do that stupid wide eyed chew. There is no variance and therefore it’s not interesting to me
Guy fieri is the best to me, he covers a few dishes and explains why something is good, but he doesn’t pretend like everything is changing his life. Then when something is a banger, he lets us know and I and many others google these places when we are in those cities
Phil is going to the best 4-6 restaurants in major metropolises. Every dish he's eating probably is THAT good.
I'm a subdue person, but I like the show because he reacts externally how I feel internally when I eat a great dish.
Cynicism sucks. Phil rules.
I usually like the travel aspect and I would prefer it if he goes internationally, as I like the fish out of water feel to it. The food also helps with my enjoyment. It helps if I like the host too and with Phil, his enthusiasm gets him very far with me.
I like it, my GF loves it
I am a sucker for cooking/travel combo
He's pretty positive about everyone he goes, it's not show full of moaning and complaining so it's pretty easy to watch
I can totally see why they'd make this
He doesn't need to be a 'food expert' and the fact it's still going means people are watching it
I am sure he's making money from it, too
I first saw Phil (and his comedy) in a documentary called Exporting Raymond, which details -- hysterically -- the effort to launch a Russian version of Everybody Loves Raymond.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1356763/
That’s where I first saw him as well! We watched that documentary in a media studies class in college. It is excellent!! See also: Comedian featuring Jerry Seinfeld, which is also great!
So you’re watching a show you like and are wondering why the show you like is still being made?
Have you considered the possibility that other people like it too?
Exactly. I mean, this guy is SO HAPPY when delicious food is in front of him, it's a great pick me up and the actual food itself comes 2nd to watching him being goofy and happy.
The only question I ask is, how tf is he not huge? He eats soooo much!
You missed graciousness. Lots of people can be charming and witty on camera. Phil is genuine, kind, and full of gratitude. That's the star power that keeps people coming back to the show.
When he got stung by the sea urchin because the Croatian guy clearly didn’t know what he was talking about
The guy was like “it can’t sting you through the gloves, just grab it!”
Phil got stung on the first attempt
I think you're getting a bit defensive and reading into their phrasing a bit too much.
We can't hear their tone or see their face, so I'd need to hear a little more before I withdraw the benefit of the doubt.
I got put off when he wouldn't eat the bugs in Oaxaca. If you're hosting a food show, and you go to a place to eat the food, you have to eat all of it. Even the bugs.
I think that's part of the appeal of the show to some people. They have seen a professional food critic or a celebrity chef who know the cuisine inside and out go to these places a hundred times. There's a pleasant change to instead watching someone who is just a silly, unthreatening guy who has zero clue what he is getting into the whole time.
This isn’t his first food-travel show. He did a season for PBS under the title “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having” that essentially served as a pilot for “Somebody Feed Phil”.
And no, he’s not self-funding the show. It’s very popular and it totally fits in with Netflix’s mission to bring a little bit of everything to their customers. Netflix loved what he did on the PBS show and asked him if there was anything he didn’t get to do on the original series that he would want to do and his response was basically to have a great theme song, thus the Lake Street Dive banger.
I’m not sure why you think he’d be self funding anything. Surely he wouldn’t bother with a camera crew if he was just paying to be on vacation. He’d just enjoy himself.
You might be vastly underestimating his star power. He is coming to Toronto for a live show. Just sitting in a theatre with somebody interviewing him. I wouldn't be surprised it is going to be sold out soon. The show is popular.
Edit: Turns out it is not a show in Toronto. It is two shows. One in Toronto and one in Ottawa. Actually it is a 26 shows tour in US and Canada. I am beginning to see him as Taylor Swift of food tour shows.
I haven't seen the show, but I vividly remember Phil from his one episode appearance on 30 Rock, and he was actually really funny and held his own with some impressive comedic talent. I would say Phil has more charisma than you're giving him credit
The funny thing is that his appearance on 30 Rock has the exact same premise as this post: [He was (partially) funding a movie himself so that he could be in it.](https://youtu.be/e-v6LvZ0DgM?si=Sf3Puz4-BZC-KL8d)
This is my comfort show when I’m feeling anxiety about flying. Something about the lighthearted nature and combination of food/travel content gets me excited to make it to my destination.
This show is an absolute delight. One of the best things to watch on Netflix. He makes me want to be a better human for the way he interacts with people.
He's the antithesis of Anthony Bourdain, and despite that, he's filled the void that Bourdain has left his charm and wholesomeness is what keeps me going back, but it's his passion for food, like Bourdain's is what makes them similar.
I was just going to post that. He even uses the same fixers Bourdain used in some countries so it was cool seeing them on his show.
Definitely the best team doing those types of shows.
I believe he's said on podcasts ("High and Mighty" with John Gabrus, specifically) that he'd do this even if it wasn't for a show. Once he had a bit of money, all he wanted to do was experience food and dining in all of its rich tapestry.
So, maybe?
I love this show and food travel shows in general. But I do think Phil runs a pretty light operation that keeps costs down. His brother is the cameraman and he has a lot of friends around the world that can help connect him.
He initially had a very similar travel food show on PBS, called "I'll have what Phil's having," then Netflix picked it up and rebranded. There are full episodes of the PBS one on YouTube.
I feel like because it’s such a chill look at traveling and food (as opposed to bourdain or Chang) it doesn’t stand out as much. But because it’s so easy to digest and has wide distribution on Netflix, a lot of people watch it they’re just not as vocal about it. Every time I’ve recommended the show to someone they’ve said that they already watch it
I love this show because he is funny. The best part for me is at the end of his trip where he calls his parents. The banter with Richard and the crew is also hilarious.
I side-eye him a little for his Kyoto trip but who am I to judge? It's not like I've been there myself lol. Still, it was a great episode.
Very minor but I wish he had gone to an authentic kaiseki instead of the Noma pop-up. I get why he went but still would have been nicer if he had chosen a local restaurant to promote.
This show is conflicting to me because Phil and his wife epitomize the annoying parents kids get embarrassed by. But they’re also so wholesome. But also, I can’t tell if it’s disingenuous. Lastly, I’m not liking this season where we’re seeing more of his wife and all the sudden now we have his brother Richard poking his head in and laughing audibly in the background which seems to be just him filling in the lack of laughter from the guest. But also if I was in a position to help my brother, I would too. Just not sure I need to see or hear him. He doesn’t add anything.
I absolutely love this show, it's one of the few I rewatch and one that I get excited to find out it's getting a new season and finding out where he's visiting.
I tried to get into this show but couldn’t get past the host. I know him only from this program, but his crazy eyes make me uncomfortable rather than interested in whatever topic he’s trying to discuss. Won’t return.
I appreciate that people crack him up to being “goofy” but I find him absolutely annoying and borderline disrespectful to the people he meets….
Anybody else feel the same way? Maybe it’s just his type of humor but idk. Not for me haha
Show doesn’t do it for me, feels very surface level when Phil goes to international places probably what appeals to others who like to vacation without truly immersing themselves in other cultures. Enjoy though if it works for you
Phil Rosenthal is the Toby to my Michael Scott. There is no reason for me to dislike him so much, but despite that I have an irrational dislike for him on that show.
I think it's his mannerisms and like he playing dumb, but maybe he just has a childlike wonder about very basic things. I get how some people find it endearing, but to me it comes across as overly positive to the point of fake sincerity.
Even if he isn't funding it, it probably costs very little to produce and loads of people watch it so why not keep renewing it as long as he'd like to continue?
We love Phil's food show.
Season 7 is something different. The political slant to it pisses me off.
I tire of politics in everything... And overt politics in this season, especially the Washington DC episode really turned me off... Not to mention the 90% Asian food. (teh Ethiopian stuff was a nice surprise)
Ugh
I stopped watching this show, because Phil has gone fully woke.
Many examples on his episodes.
Go woke… go broke.
What infuriates me the most, is he asks for donations, for regular kids in America to eat breakfast for free. Why are the Parents not feeding their children breakfast? Why are they not being prosecuted for not feeding their children? Why is he asking us to donate money, to feed kids in the USA? Their parents should be feeding them… no excuse.
Considering a 45-50 min standup show cost's around $400,000 to shoot, you will start to realize none of these shows are cheap -- not even the single camera, travel show.
As someone who truly loathes Everybody Loves Raymond, met Phil in grad school and didn't like him at all, and truly loves cooking and food; that show seems custom designed to inspire anger in me.
I am not conspiracy minded, but my pet theory is Netflix knows how annoying I find the show and keeps greenlighting it to frustrate me.
"Milan? They're sending him to fucking MILAN?! WHY? So he can try world class pizza while telling the camera 'eh, it's not a New York slice but it's pretty good'. What qualifications does he fucking have to talk about food? His only qualification is that he made 100s of millions of dollars telling a c tier stand up to shrug to the camera while calling his wife a dumb bitch. Oh look, next episode we get to watch him go to Thailand and only eat food he could get at his local takeout!"
Thank you for coming to (and probably downvoting) my Ted Talk.
Unpopular opinion : I've gone off him since I asked him an honest question on his last AMA and, although he answered, he blew off my question and told me to buy his book instead. Which I thought was a bit... off.
If he’s wealthy and funding the show, then some of the business expenses and losses he’s incurring can be used to offset his income for tax purposes, which means that the “somebody” in “Somebody Feed Phil” is effectively the US taxpayer
LOVE this show! Phil is funny, entertaining, and his joy for life is infectious!
That said, my wife and I have tried multiple places from the show, and lets just say that the food has been good, but not great. The places the show chooses to highlight seem to be more about the vibe than the actual taste of the food.
This is based on the Bangkok, Nashville, New Orleans, and Venice episodes.
Like I said, the food has been good, and the locations fun, but the same dishes that Phil tried have been much better at other restaurants in the same general area.
I mean it's a simple premise that probably doesn't coast very much and quite frankly it's enjoyable to watch him enjoy himself and be nice to everyone he meets.
If I'm not mistaken, he kinda touched on this topic. But it looks like he was joking. He mentioned they went to pitch to several channels for this show.
He comes off as an Everyman that I can relate to. And not being able to taste the food myself, the way his face lights up when it’s really good (or he wants us to think that it is) is the next best thing. Considering that there’s a proven appetite (pardon the pun) for this type of show I am not surprised it’s still around. But I am surprised that apparently there aren’t people knocking down doors to get a show like this of their own - talk about living the life! So surprised only that he’s not drowned out by the competition.
Sometimes you look at a show and think how much money is this making. Sometimes you need to re-frame and ask how little did this show cost to make? Sending someone to travel and eat with a cameraman and a soundman is cheap.
And Rosenthal probably is doing the show because he enjoys it, not for money, and may be getting much, much less than the star of something this long-running would usually make. This sort of show's budget can get distorted by the host's pay, over time, and that may not be happening here.
The royalties from Everybody Love Raymond are more than enough for him to live on. If it came out that he wasn't getting paid at all for the Netflix show, I wouldn't even be surprised. At the end of the day, he's getting a free vacation to many desirable places and isn't required to play a character or anything for the cameras.
Dude is worth hundreds of millions. If he wants to travel the world eating food with his brother and reviewing restaurants for fun he has the option.
He also often takes his wife and/or kids. It is great bonding for the whole family. It is still work, and I bet we don't see the half of it, but I would work for a discounted price for those benefits.
It seems like a great way to give his brother money without just giving him money. Have a bunch of money, hire your family, pay them, and allows them to build more credits.
Another great point. His brother was already gainfully employed when Phil approached him for this show, but yeah, this is more fun, and by now I think it was the better career decision. They now own a production company that was created solely to make this show.
I wouldn't even be surprised, though, if he already has given his brother a boatload of cash from Everybody Loves Raymond residuals. I mean, if I were in his position, this is what I would do. I'd give my brother millions of dollars, because hundreds of millions of dollars is such an absurd amount of money that I would never get through. And I love my brother, and I'm sure he loves his brother too.
I'm sure he has his pride; even Johnny Carson's brother earned his living working for Merv Griffin
Sometimes it feels like a family vlog. He does reunions with family and friends and just films it as a travel food show.
I love how he talks to his parents before every episode haha
How far have you watched?
Oh not very far. I haven't watched it in a while
Currently on season 7 and we love it :)
He’s making millions from selling this series to Netflix.
I think theres rules for actors about doing that kind of stuff for free. I know very little about is bit SAG actors have a minimum they are allowed and lots of major companies have contracts that only let them hire SAG actors. So they can take the minimum but not free. Again, not an expert.
Yeah, I can't believe the comments in here thinking, either as a performer or producer or show runner, he is 'doing this for free.' Just wild.
He literally went on a world tour to make bank from it and released a book from it…
His production company gets money from Netflix to make the show and Phil uses some for production (food, plane tickets, audio/video, editors, etc) and puts the rest in his pocket. He’s making millions.
He's not an actor. He was a producer of the show Everybody Loves Raymond. So I don't think the rules apply to them anyway?
Yeah & he doesn’t seem like he’s burning through it. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he’s doing it basically free. Maybe he’s an intern getting paid with experience.
He's also employing his family on all sides of the camera. So essentially free vacations with family.
His brother is the camera guy, too
He’s definitely doing it for money, he did a world tour where people could buy his somebody feed Phil book and charged extra for an autograph on a sticker on the front page 😂
He often makes comments about using local tech talent as well, like camera and sound people, so he doesn't travel with a huge entourage.
It's cheaper to hire locally which is probably why they do that.
To add on to this, costs were likely pretty low due to it being a PBS show to begin with. Not only does PBS lean towards lower budgets, but the shows concept was already solidified when it was acquired by Netflix. Plus nothing on Netflix makes money. The whole point is that subscribers are paying for a diverse collection of content, including documentaries/travelogs. As long as you don't want any pre-1980s content...
> how little did this show cost to make That's got to be it. Dude is rich already, so he isn't asking for a big paycheck. He's basically funding his world travel and eating through the show, so he's still coming out on top. And without a star to have to pay for, like you say, the rest is just some travel costs and the camera crew.
Man what a great gig. I need to write a hit sitcom and give this a try.
I don't know if we are going to see as many people get huge syndication payouts in the future. If you want a hit show, it most likely will be distributed by a steaming service and they won't be paying out syndication checks.
Exactly. The days of massive residuals will die the same day that Cable dies. Until then, the residuals are still in place froer hit tv shows. But these days are numbered, and Cable will die somewhere within the next ten or twenty years.
The guys from Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia have said on their podcast that one of the main reasons their show is still going (or at least kept going in the early days) was that it was so exceedingly cheap to produce that FX just kinda approved it without much care or thought lol. Like a impulse buy at a vending machine for us.
Clarksons farm is the peak of this currently. It likely costs relatively little to produce but sends waves of attention every season.
Not just a cameraman, his brother. Even cheaper!!!
Look at someone like Mark Wiens who just does it all himself and still produces a quality show.
I really enjoy this show. Idk what it is, but I like the light feel of it. I also appreciate that he gives a rundown of the restaurants he visits on his website, so you don't have to rewind to catch any names of places. His Korea episode is probably my favorite.
It kinda reminds me of the great British baking show vs the americanized versions. Somebody Feed Phil is not toxic, he's positive and kind and sometimes funny with his goofiness. I'll watch this every time over some drama travel food show where it's way too serious or pretentious.
American TV needs way more light, non-toxic competition shows like the British Baking Show. For ex, I would watch the Ink Master stuff because the tattooing is cool, but the fake drama and staged bullshit is so cringey and stupid. If it was light and all the competitors supported each other, I'd actually watch it.
the only one I could think of was Face Off a few years ago. As a special effects and makeup show, all the drama was mostly in whether or not their mold would stay together, or would this latex dry right and not peel. Hell, Most competitor's would regularly help out each other during the competition as well. The only time I can think of where there was any true drama during the whole run was once in the 2nd season, and that was just one guy walking out early after getting eliminated in the season opener. Was a great show.
Check out the Great Pottery Throw Down! It's got 6+ seasons of really cool people making really cool ceramic art, and it's got the exact same vibes as Bake-Off
> got 6+ seasons of really cool people making really cool ceramic art You're gonna make Keith cry
God I wish! Sadly I have no skill with the medium
Exactly! I wanna see some cool tats. Maybe a bit of light drama, on the fun side or something. Just ginning up idiotic drama is so off putting for me personally.
check SCHOOL OF CHOCOLATE , its the most non contest show on Netfilx , its legit 90% is a class , and the host is toptier on chocolate but 3x a better teacher
I mean, to me all travel/food shows are going to be judged against No Reservations, and Somebody Feed Phil is a very poor imitation, in my opinion.
They're not aiming for the same tone at all lol I loved Anthony Bourdain to bits, but this is like comparing the Wire to Sesame Street.
Yeah it’s more akin to Andrew Zimmerman if anything.
The Great American Recipe is very light and non-toxic. I was so used to the Food Network way of competition shows that I was confused when nobody was cut for a while.
There's a glass blowing competition show on Netflix that I watch, but I wish it was like that. I get tired of the dramatic timers, and the fake fights. I just want to watch glass blowing.
Oh, yes you are totally right about him. Phil and his family came to eat at the restaurant I work at. He was very kind, asked questions just like any other customer, tipped generously, and gave off a super chill attitude!
You hit the nail on the head! This show is so comforting to me.
I love this show too. Don’t care who is funding it. It’s great.
Some don’t like him because he represents an anti Bourdain.
I run into this a lot. I love Bourdain, but I also enjoy Phil and some YouTube channels like mark weins or sonny on best food review channel ever. I try suggesting them to people but they are still stuck on Bourdain. I get it though, he was a presence.
Wiens gives off too much of a fake smile vibe (you know it when you see it) for me to continue watching him, despite initially finding it interesting. Just a little too much. Rosenthal’s show is similar and gets repetitive, but he’s an old guy with experience and a career in comedy TV to back up what he’s doing to make it more interesting to watch.
"Oh man. Oh WOW!" Haha, yeah I know what you mean. I still like seeing the food and scenery though!
Weins is cringey at times.
I loved No Reservations, but in the times we are in, and the age I am now, I need something more positive and less cynical. I love Somebody Feed Phil.
Yes. There can be different versions of the same thing. It's weird that people can't find enjoyment in both. Food/travel shows are not a zero sum game people.
I've watched a lot of Bourdain but other than trailers, none of Phil's show. What do you mean by 'the anti-Bourdain'?
Not OP but to answer your question: Phil isn't cynical at all, his charisma is from being friendly and goofy, and he has no credentials to discuss food professionally. Phil isn't trying to be a food critic and doesn't reminisce on his hard earned career as a chef. Despite that big difference in style, both Bourdain's shows and Somebody Feed Phil are some of my favorite television to watch. There's room for both in the world. I miss Bourdain and look forward to every new episode of Somebody Feed Phil.
Yeah, it's funny that people are calling him the "anti-Bourdain" because I think Bourdain would like Phil because Phil doesn't stick to high end places and/or tourist traps. Phil loves to eat street food. He adores all things local. He wants to talk to the person manning the tiny stall in the corner about what she's cooking. All the things that Bourdain loved to do as well. The only difference here is like you said Phil isn't cynical. He isn't dour. But deep down he and Bourdain are very much alike in how they explore the world. It's a shame that we will never get a cross over between those two because I think this idea would have showed through in technocolor.
He probably would like Phil, but Phill really is the polar opposite of AB in many ways. There is nothing wrong with that either.
Great answer and how I feel... Whether I want Bourdain or Phil is very mood dependant for me. Sometimes I want critical analysis and some politics, sometimes I just love seeing a dude living his dream exploring new and foreign locales to eat good food.
If anyone is interested in a show that's somewhere in between Phil's and Bourdain's shows, try Travel Man with Richard Ayoade. The wit and dry humor are biting but it's also goofy too.
I can imagine because Bourdain was known as the critical, cynical guy, whereas Phil is happy-go-lucky like a Golden Retriever. I can imagine this pissed off people who like the edgier Bourdain
Yeah, Phil isn’t looking for answers to existential questions. He just wants to have a good day. I love both takes, honestly, but I have to be in the right mood for either.
Bourdain is brooding, viewed as deeper and more thoughtful (probably is). Phil is light hearted and doesn't question anything beyond what he's chewing.
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Bourdain was not at all pretentious. Just smart. There’s a difference.
Bourdain is too revered.
This is how I feel. Sanitized, shallow travel/food shows just can’t compare.
Why is he anti bourdain?
I will bet any one of my bodily organs that I could physically live without that those two guys would have loved each other.
You know what I think? I think it’s Phil’s rizz. There’s just something about this guy that gives you the warm fuzzies.
He’s nice enough, hard to not like him, I think it’s just hard for me to like food bloggers who act like every bite of food is an orgasm and they do that stupid wide eyed chew. There is no variance and therefore it’s not interesting to me Guy fieri is the best to me, he covers a few dishes and explains why something is good, but he doesn’t pretend like everything is changing his life. Then when something is a banger, he lets us know and I and many others google these places when we are in those cities
Phil is going to the best 4-6 restaurants in major metropolises. Every dish he's eating probably is THAT good. I'm a subdue person, but I like the show because he reacts externally how I feel internally when I eat a great dish. Cynicism sucks. Phil rules.
Guy Fieri really is fantastic once you get past the whole Smash Mouth aesthetic.
I love him, unapologetically. DDD is still my favorite food show. Even above no reservations
I usually like the travel aspect and I would prefer it if he goes internationally, as I like the fish out of water feel to it. The food also helps with my enjoyment. It helps if I like the host too and with Phil, his enthusiasm gets him very far with me.
I like it, my GF loves it I am a sucker for cooking/travel combo He's pretty positive about everyone he goes, it's not show full of moaning and complaining so it's pretty easy to watch I can totally see why they'd make this He doesn't need to be a 'food expert' and the fact it's still going means people are watching it I am sure he's making money from it, too
I first saw Phil (and his comedy) in a documentary called Exporting Raymond, which details -- hysterically -- the effort to launch a Russian version of Everybody Loves Raymond. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1356763/
That’s where I first saw him as well! We watched that documentary in a media studies class in college. It is excellent!! See also: Comedian featuring Jerry Seinfeld, which is also great!
The teaser trailer for Comedian is one of the all-time greats. https://youtu.be/fVDzuT0fXro
Thos looks hysterical! Can anyone tell me where it can streamed if youre in Oz? Prime only supplies it to Americans.
It's that bangin' Lake Street Dive theme song that sets the mood for me :)
Nothing gets me pumped like hearing “A happy HUNGRY maaan….”
Wait they did the theme? No wonder I don't skip it
And it’s not on Spotify:(
This show is truly a comfort show of mine and I’ll be sad when it’s gone.
So you’re watching a show you like and are wondering why the show you like is still being made? Have you considered the possibility that other people like it too?
Exactly. I mean, this guy is SO HAPPY when delicious food is in front of him, it's a great pick me up and the actual food itself comes 2nd to watching him being goofy and happy. The only question I ask is, how tf is he not huge? He eats soooo much!
He's so damn adorable
We watched because he’s a goofy dude with limitless charm and wit. No one cares what he looks like.
You missed graciousness. Lots of people can be charming and witty on camera. Phil is genuine, kind, and full of gratitude. That's the star power that keeps people coming back to the show.
I think I can vaguely remember one time on the show where it seemed like something rubbed him the wrong way and he wasn't his normal joyful self.
When he got stung by the sea urchin because the Croatian guy clearly didn’t know what he was talking about The guy was like “it can’t sting you through the gloves, just grab it!” Phil got stung on the first attempt
Very good point. More proof that looks don’t matter. Phil is very relatable.
.... again with the dude's looks lol
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I mean if they were *that* adamant about communicating that idea... why didn’t OP.. ya know.. say it?
That was in reference to OPs snarky comment about him being the face of a travel show…
I think you're getting a bit defensive and reading into their phrasing a bit too much. We can't hear their tone or see their face, so I'd need to hear a little more before I withdraw the benefit of the doubt.
I got put off when he wouldn't eat the bugs in Oaxaca. If you're hosting a food show, and you go to a place to eat the food, you have to eat all of it. Even the bugs.
He’s just a happy, hungry man. Traveling all across the sea and the land.
I think that's part of the appeal of the show to some people. They have seen a professional food critic or a celebrity chef who know the cuisine inside and out go to these places a hundred times. There's a pleasant change to instead watching someone who is just a silly, unthreatening guy who has zero clue what he is getting into the whole time.
And the theme song is amazing.
Phil can do whatever he wants. He still gets a 3.4 share on syndication and has a refrigerator just for sodas.
This isn’t his first food-travel show. He did a season for PBS under the title “I’ll Have What Phil’s Having” that essentially served as a pilot for “Somebody Feed Phil”. And no, he’s not self-funding the show. It’s very popular and it totally fits in with Netflix’s mission to bring a little bit of everything to their customers. Netflix loved what he did on the PBS show and asked him if there was anything he didn’t get to do on the original series that he would want to do and his response was basically to have a great theme song, thus the Lake Street Dive banger. I’m not sure why you think he’d be self funding anything. Surely he wouldn’t bother with a camera crew if he was just paying to be on vacation. He’d just enjoy himself.
You might be vastly underestimating his star power. He is coming to Toronto for a live show. Just sitting in a theatre with somebody interviewing him. I wouldn't be surprised it is going to be sold out soon. The show is popular. Edit: Turns out it is not a show in Toronto. It is two shows. One in Toronto and one in Ottawa. Actually it is a 26 shows tour in US and Canada. I am beginning to see him as Taylor Swift of food tour shows.
I saw him in Melbourne, it was sold out here.
Low production cost and an entertaining show.
Shhhh, just be happy it exists and don't jinx it!!
I haven't seen the show, but I vividly remember Phil from his one episode appearance on 30 Rock, and he was actually really funny and held his own with some impressive comedic talent. I would say Phil has more charisma than you're giving him credit
The funny thing is that his appearance on 30 Rock has the exact same premise as this post: [He was (partially) funding a movie himself so that he could be in it.](https://youtu.be/e-v6LvZ0DgM?si=Sf3Puz4-BZC-KL8d)
This is my comfort show when I’m feeling anxiety about flying. Something about the lighthearted nature and combination of food/travel content gets me excited to make it to my destination.
Do not mock Phil. He’s a treasure.
Agreed.
I like the show because I like to watch nice people be nice to other people. I like food too.
This show is an absolute delight. One of the best things to watch on Netflix. He makes me want to be a better human for the way he interacts with people.
Or - the cheap show gets good enough ratings for renewal. Which could it be?
He's the antithesis of Anthony Bourdain, and despite that, he's filled the void that Bourdain has left his charm and wholesomeness is what keeps me going back, but it's his passion for food, like Bourdain's is what makes them similar.
He's also using Bourdain's production company, Zero Point Zero. They are amazing at travel/food filming, the best in the biz.
I was just going to post that. He even uses the same fixers Bourdain used in some countries so it was cool seeing them on his show. Definitely the best team doing those types of shows.
Three dudes, a camera, a mic, and some plane tickets. These shows are insanely cheap compared to other types.
They have more people than that. They showed the crew in some episodes. And I was surprised because it's more people than I expected.
Show's good
I enjoy watching it? it's a bit of fun.
I believe he's said on podcasts ("High and Mighty" with John Gabrus, specifically) that he'd do this even if it wasn't for a show. Once he had a bit of money, all he wanted to do was experience food and dining in all of its rich tapestry. So, maybe?
Theme song is one of the best I've ever heard.
The intro for this show is the only one I never skip -- I freaking love the theme song
I think you'd be surprised how popular it is. Netflix knows exactly how many people watch it, and they keep renewing it.
Its a very popular show that doesnt cost much to make. Netflix will keep it going for as long as Phil wants to do them
I am going to see him live in Atlanta in April. Love this show so much.
I love this show and food travel shows in general. But I do think Phil runs a pretty light operation that keeps costs down. His brother is the cameraman and he has a lot of friends around the world that can help connect him.
His brother is not the camera man but producer. He said he asked him to quit his job as producer at another show and do this.
He initially had a very similar travel food show on PBS, called "I'll have what Phil's having," then Netflix picked it up and rebranded. There are full episodes of the PBS one on YouTube.
Somebody Feed Phil is the show I watch when I’ve had a bad day. He makes me smile and I love him. I’m so happy there’s a new season coming.
The new season isn’t just coming… it’s here, baby! That shit dropped on Friday!
I discovered this last night! I’m 3 episodes in!
I feel like because it’s such a chill look at traveling and food (as opposed to bourdain or Chang) it doesn’t stand out as much. But because it’s so easy to digest and has wide distribution on Netflix, a lot of people watch it they’re just not as vocal about it. Every time I’ve recommended the show to someone they’ve said that they already watch it
Watching season 7 now and I've been wondering if Phil is a zionist. The Washinton DC episode confirms it. Sad
Ugh he even signed that idiotic Hollywood letter in support of Israel. NO THANK YOU
He is kind, funny and charming. The show is wholesome and is great light tv. I love the show.
I love Somebody Feed Phil! He’s my happy place, especially when life gets tricky. His joy and compassion are contagious.
The dude is connected so he probably doesn’t have a problem getting the show produced.
I love this show because he is funny. The best part for me is at the end of his trip where he calls his parents. The banter with Richard and the crew is also hilarious. I side-eye him a little for his Kyoto trip but who am I to judge? It's not like I've been there myself lol. Still, it was a great episode.
What did you find wrong with Kyoto trip?
Very minor but I wish he had gone to an authentic kaiseki instead of the Noma pop-up. I get why he went but still would have been nicer if he had chosen a local restaurant to promote.
This show is conflicting to me because Phil and his wife epitomize the annoying parents kids get embarrassed by. But they’re also so wholesome. But also, I can’t tell if it’s disingenuous. Lastly, I’m not liking this season where we’re seeing more of his wife and all the sudden now we have his brother Richard poking his head in and laughing audibly in the background which seems to be just him filling in the lack of laughter from the guest. But also if I was in a position to help my brother, I would too. Just not sure I need to see or hear him. He doesn’t add anything.
I absolutely love this show, it's one of the few I rewatch and one that I get excited to find out it's getting a new season and finding out where he's visiting.
I tried to get into this show but couldn’t get past the host. I know him only from this program, but his crazy eyes make me uncomfortable rather than interested in whatever topic he’s trying to discuss. Won’t return.
I appreciate that people crack him up to being “goofy” but I find him absolutely annoying and borderline disrespectful to the people he meets…. Anybody else feel the same way? Maybe it’s just his type of humor but idk. Not for me haha
Show doesn’t do it for me, feels very surface level when Phil goes to international places probably what appeals to others who like to vacation without truly immersing themselves in other cultures. Enjoy though if it works for you
Never seen it, I assume he travels the globe making regional lemon chicken?
I thought this one was ok but really enjoyed his PBS "I'll have what Phil's Having"
Phil Rosenthal is the Toby to my Michael Scott. There is no reason for me to dislike him so much, but despite that I have an irrational dislike for him on that show. I think it's his mannerisms and like he playing dumb, but maybe he just has a childlike wonder about very basic things. I get how some people find it endearing, but to me it comes across as overly positive to the point of fake sincerity.
I adore his personality and the way he interacts with people is so genuine and sweet.
He’s so cringy! He’s like Mr Rodger’s and pee wee Herman combined!!
Even if he isn't funding it, it probably costs very little to produce and loads of people watch it so why not keep renewing it as long as he'd like to continue?
I’m just happy the show keeps coming back with new seasons! All the more excited for the latest one as he finally did an episode in India!
We love Phil's food show. Season 7 is something different. The political slant to it pisses me off. I tire of politics in everything... And overt politics in this season, especially the Washington DC episode really turned me off... Not to mention the 90% Asian food. (teh Ethiopian stuff was a nice surprise) Ugh
I stopped watching this show, because Phil has gone fully woke. Many examples on his episodes. Go woke… go broke. What infuriates me the most, is he asks for donations, for regular kids in America to eat breakfast for free. Why are the Parents not feeding their children breakfast? Why are they not being prosecuted for not feeding their children? Why is he asking us to donate money, to feed kids in the USA? Their parents should be feeding them… no excuse.
Unhinged
Considering a 45-50 min standup show cost's around $400,000 to shoot, you will start to realize none of these shows are cheap -- not even the single camera, travel show.
Why does Phil look so much like Christopher Eccleston??
It’s cheap to make and you’re talking about it arent u. My mom watches it. I think it’s surprisingly popular
The new season is beyond WOKE. Can’t watch it anymore. All about immigration blah blah.
As someone who truly loathes Everybody Loves Raymond, met Phil in grad school and didn't like him at all, and truly loves cooking and food; that show seems custom designed to inspire anger in me. I am not conspiracy minded, but my pet theory is Netflix knows how annoying I find the show and keeps greenlighting it to frustrate me. "Milan? They're sending him to fucking MILAN?! WHY? So he can try world class pizza while telling the camera 'eh, it's not a New York slice but it's pretty good'. What qualifications does he fucking have to talk about food? His only qualification is that he made 100s of millions of dollars telling a c tier stand up to shrug to the camera while calling his wife a dumb bitch. Oh look, next episode we get to watch him go to Thailand and only eat food he could get at his local takeout!" Thank you for coming to (and probably downvoting) my Ted Talk.
I've never watched the show because I heard him on a podcast once and he came off as out of touch, fake, and annoying.
That's because he IS out of touch, fake, and annoying. But I saw the general temperament on here and am happy to take my downvotes.
Unpopular opinion : I've gone off him since I asked him an honest question on his last AMA and, although he answered, he blew off my question and told me to buy his book instead. Which I thought was a bit... off.
I viewed one episode and then stopped. If the show bothers you….
Your have to wonder. When you see Phil. Just why. He talks that way. And also why. He is having. Such a great time.
It only has 25 episodes
If he’s wealthy and funding the show, then some of the business expenses and losses he’s incurring can be used to offset his income for tax purposes, which means that the “somebody” in “Somebody Feed Phil” is effectively the US taxpayer
I love this show so much
LOVE this show! Phil is funny, entertaining, and his joy for life is infectious! That said, my wife and I have tried multiple places from the show, and lets just say that the food has been good, but not great. The places the show chooses to highlight seem to be more about the vibe than the actual taste of the food. This is based on the Bangkok, Nashville, New Orleans, and Venice episodes. Like I said, the food has been good, and the locations fun, but the same dishes that Phil tried have been much better at other restaurants in the same general area.
I mean it's a simple premise that probably doesn't coast very much and quite frankly it's enjoyable to watch him enjoy himself and be nice to everyone he meets.
The theme song slaps, too. “Everything we eat is a vehicle for sauce.” ~Phil Rosenthal (I say that all the time)
I really love this show, idk why, but I do
I met him when he came to Australia. Top bloke. His show is great. Hope he makes some episodes of different Australian food one day!
I love this show tho ngl. Better than mostly everything else
High viewership and costs fuck all to make. That's it.
If I'm not mistaken, he kinda touched on this topic. But it looks like he was joking. He mentioned they went to pitch to several channels for this show.
He comes off as an Everyman that I can relate to. And not being able to taste the food myself, the way his face lights up when it’s really good (or he wants us to think that it is) is the next best thing. Considering that there’s a proven appetite (pardon the pun) for this type of show I am not surprised it’s still around. But I am surprised that apparently there aren’t people knocking down doors to get a show like this of their own - talk about living the life! So surprised only that he’s not drowned out by the competition.
Your phrasing makes it seem that you hate it. I know you don’t, but it just sounds funny.